The Walker County Water & Sewerage Authority is still advising residents in some areas to boil their water before drinking it.
According to a news release, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has not found any tainted samples in the treated water that goes to customers. But testers did find an E. coli sample in a source well on Thursday.
While the water boil warning is still in effect, County Commissioner Shannon Whitfield and LaFayette City Manager David Hamilton have issued a water conservation deceleration. This includes:
- Limiting outdoor watering of lawns, gardens and trees to twice a week. People living in homes with even numbered addresses or no numbered addresses may water their properties from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. People living in homes with odd addresses may water their properties from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Watering personal food gardens is allowed every day before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- No washing streets, sidewalks, gutters or driveways.
- No use of waterfalls or fountains.
- No use of fire hydrants, other than for fire fighting, public health, safety or flushing.
- No washing vehicles at home.
- No pressure washing
- No charity car washes
The Water and Sewerage Authority Board met with EPD officials Friday to discuss long-term solutions. The EPD will review those plans as quickly as possible. Officials are hoping for a solution within 14 days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say people in the affected areas should use boiled water to prepare all drinks, including coffee. (Most household coffee makers don;t heat water up enough to remove bacteria.)
Also, don’t use ice unless the water was boiled before it was frozen. Kitchen and household water filters don’t remove bacteria or viruses. It would be smart to give babies a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
You should also use boiled water to brush your teeth and for your pets to drink. The laundry machine and the household dishwasher should be safe to use.